Barriers to learning and Employers responsibilities

Most companies implement English-only WHS policy documents to ensure information is easily shared in a common language. However in global companies this can present real problems, as English is not universally understood.

Also, just because someone can speak a language does not mean they are completely fluent or can read or even have the ability to fully process information provided to them in the workplace.

In addition to the language barrier that can exist in a multi-cultural workplace, employers should also be aware of any literacy issues amongst their employees and contractors. The inability to read, or to read only poorly, can mean that workers don’t understand their OHS obligations.

Again as clearly stated in the WHS, if you’re an employer, you need to provide the appropriate level of information, induction, training and supervision for all your workers. It is up to management to identify those workers who may have language and literacy issues and to put into place risk management procedures to mitigate those risks.